Downing: Albertans want answers from the Fair Deal Panel

On May 5th, the United Conservative Party of Alberta submitted its final report on the Fair Deal Panel. Its findings document how Albertans feel regarding their standing in the Federation, and is expected to be released after the ‘worst’ of COVID-19 has subsided.

The grievances of tens of thousands of Albertans were expressed at town halls from across the province on its’ economic interests and Western alienation. Of the proposals suggested, some include establishing a pension plan and police force under provincial jurisdiction.

Peter Downing, the interim leader and Executive Director of the Alberta Wexit Party, states, “the Western independence movement has exploded.”

“Giving a ‘fair deal’ to Albertans needs to go beyond mere words, and, as a committed federalist, the premier is losing his credibility.”

“UCP MLAs and their political operatives put a lot of work into the Fair Deal Panel and to help Albertans,” says Downing, “and yet, these stall tactics are only upsetting those who put their faith in them after four years of NDP rule.”

Downing likened their style of governance and ‘overall lack of transparency’ to the days of PC rule under premiers Redford and Stelmach. “The original PC and Wildrose merger should have chosen a real conservative leader because Kenney is a federalist first, and his focus looks to be on becoming the CPC party leader in the future.”